The STW Ski & Snowboard thread. The 2013-2014 season

schnullelieber: yes, I've done some snowshoeing around Morzine. Some of my snowshoe guide training/exams took place in that area in fact!

There is some waymarked stuff near the resorts, but I'd really recommend getting a map and a guide book and going slightly further afield. It's a great area for snowshoeing (makes sense seeing as it's a bit flat for skiing/snowboarding ).

The area from Le Sincerneret over to Chapelle de Jacquicourt (just outside Les Gets) is really beautiful. There are also quite a few "snowshoe summits" that are do-able too. I'd have to look at a map to make more specific suggestions. There are some good snowshoe guidebooks to the area (in French):

Folks needing some advice. I'm on leave the last week of November and it's a coin toss between Saas Fee and Zermatt. I really want to take the other half to Zermatt but the clincher will be what area has the most open? Does anyone have any knowledge?

Advice Please
Complete beginner/new convert.
Both of my brats have skied/snowboarded for years. I now have more free time and decided to learn to ski this summer and join them.
Short story, took a lesson, loved it, bought some gear, have had a few sessions at a dry ski slope, and the Glasgow fridge. Mrs clav has now joined me. For the life of me I cannot understand why I did not do it before now, enjoy it immensely. Must get onto a proper mountain soon.
Personal gear purchase, so far, Rossignol S3 skis & 110 Sensor2 Boots, Scott ski poles, Giro Surface lid, Norrona Jacket, HH and Haglofs salopettes, Seal Skin ski gloves. Still to get goggles?

So I have booked flights to Norway for Easter. Mrs clav’s brother lives just outside Oslo.
Really looking forward to it
I would appreciate any hints, must see/do list, and general advice.

Cobrakai, Saas Fee and Zermatt are very close to each other so will have similar snow fall. Both have glaciers but I think Zermatt has more runs open during the summer/early season. Zermatt accommodation is more expensive and there are more bars but it's quite upmarket. Saas-Fee has more of a German beer drinking, glass clashing vibe.
Also, Zermatt is IMHO better for skiers and Saas-Fee is better for boarders but this early in the season not so much so...

Could anyone use a 2nd hand pair of ski boots for their kids, they are Rossignol freeride boots, size is 23.5. Just bought some new ones and hate the thought of throwing them out.....
Happy for them to be collected or will post if need be...

For the life of me I cannot understand why I did not do it before now, enjoy it immensely.

Ditto! First trip when I was 40, 9 years ago. TBH it was never an option as a kid but on the plus side my kids, now 17 and 15 are both excellent skiers and have skied at least once a year since. My lad is very good off piste so that makes me happy and I look forward to trips with them until I am too old!

Cheers beanum! I've been to both of them before. Saas fee in summer and zermatt in April but I've never been thus early in the season so was unsure of conditions. A guy on snow heads has said the glacier runs and cervinia side are open and the conditions are good. I'm hoping it fills in enough to get most of the way down! Think it's going to be zermatt but it means no popcorn.

Yes, 100%. I rarely ski without them, only if its blue skies with no fresh snow and I'm just cruising the pistes with the family.

Agreed in full. Goggles are a must have, especially with a helmet. Just works so much better than sunnies. Of course, you will need some pimpin' shades for lunchtime posing a la terrasse, but goggles all the way when skiing. Two lenses is useful as well, one for bad conditions and one for the pretty days!

We've still not booked our Snowboarding Holiday so up for some suggestions?

Read a little of this thread and Serre Chevalier seemed to get some good reviews, last year we went to Tignes and the conditions were great, tempted to go back but would like to try somewhere new and scared that its never as good the 2nd time you visit. Had Val Thorens suggested to us, seems a little like Tignes.

Not really up for partying, I go on holiday to snowboard not drink, Like to hit the first lift, board all day and go for a good food(not posh) have a couple of drinks and back for a lazy evening in the chalet/apartment.

Up for trying Italy or Austria but would like to keep the prices similar to what you'd pay in France.

Right you lot,does anyone use a knee brace ( or braces ) on the slopes?
I am getting over a meniscus tear and don't really want to miss the skiing this winter- but I also don't want to risk any more damage on the knee.
Thanks

Ah true, probably titanium or kevlar rather than carbon fibre. There are a plethora of knee braces out there so just choose one that suits your budget and sounds like it will do the job.
Not that I need to say it, but make sure you warm up properly and just take it a bit easier

howsyourdad1 Thanks. I have looked that up and it is now on the agenda, looks within easy reach of Oslo. Now down as a must go.
Mrs clav has told me her brother has booked a cabin at skeikampen for a week.All sounding v-good. I wonder if he will pay for it as well ?
Yes I will sort out goggles. Let me get this right, must appear expensive, colour match the outfit, look good on the table, match my choice of drink.
If anyone else has the same pair do I have to leave the slope, or have a back up set. Also if my skiing is sh*te will a big boy take them off me.

@poonprice - I can thoroughly recommend @stevocmd's setup at The White Room Chalet. Ste Foy is a little gem and if you wish you can ski in Les Arcs or Val d Isere / Tignes for a look see if you've a car.

Val Thorens is even more "ice station zebra" than Tignes (dating myself a bit with that movie reference), I've only skied there during the day, always stayed in Meribel or Courcheval. Austria has a more picture post card feel than most of France, my favourite resort there is St Anton, world class skiing and lively scene afterwards. It's hard to make recommendations as there is so much choice. Price wise I've found Austria tends to come out a little cheaper than France, Switzerland perhaps a little more. If you're staying in a chalet the cost of lift pass is main differential as most of you're eating and drinking is done "at home"